Mert Müldür earns professional contract

It was as recently as a fortnight ago that the name Mert Müldür would've come to the attention of Rapid fans, as the central defender made his first team debut during the home defeat to RB Salzburg. The 19-year old has often been included in match day squads, but has - until recently - had to make do with a place on the bench. He began making the transition into the first team squad last winter, when he travelled to Benidorm to participate in the winter training camp.

Müldür has navigated his way through the Rapid Academy, before moving up into the reserve side last summer. As well as featuring 23-times for the reserves, the young centre half has already been called into to the Turkish u-19 set up. Now Müldür has signed his first professional contract, extending his stay with the club until 2021.

Sporting Director Fredy Bickel: "We're delighted that Mert envisages his future here at SK Rapid and that we can move him into the first team and continue his development. Mert has beeninteresting a lot of international clubs, but he doesn’t only see SK Rapid as his home, but also his future."

Mert Müldür: "I started here at Rapid in the youth teams and it makes me very happy and proud that I’m now going to contribute to the team long term. I believe my future lies here, and I'm excited about continuing to develop and celebrating successes!"